It was a daring, and perhaps marvellous, scene as workmen began hoisting and putting into place twelve huge rafters for the new roof of the Bethel Methodist Church on Wednesday, June 16.
The historic church building, originally built by slaves from the Trans-Atlantic Voyage, was severely damaged and otherwise compromised by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The vicious hurricane, thought to be the worst in the Caribbean area, showed no respect for things sacred or secular. It destroyed or damaged a number of church buildings in Anguilla as well as various public and private sector structures.
The Bethel Methodist Church lost a large portion of its roof which, after such a long time, is now being replaced with the positioning of its heavy and skilfully-made Douglas Fir rafters. They were crafted at Rebel Marine Boatyard, under the watchful eyes of its owner, Mr. David Carty.
It is not certain how the gigantic rafters were taken from the boatyard, but a powerful crane was seen lifting them precariously and skilfully to the roof of the church, while they dangled in mid-air and struck portions of the building. “Hold strain and lift”, the workers shouted to each other as they also sought to protect themselves.
When the rafters are fully installed and secured, the rest of the roofing will be applied at a later date.
The Bethel Methodist Church’s congregation is worshipping at the nearby Church Hall which also serves as a pre-school. The late Superintendent of the Anguilla Methodist Circuit, Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs, had been endeavouring to complete the restoration work up until his sudden passing on September 4, 2020. One of the internal changes he began making was the relocation of the choir section from the western area of the building to the front portion.
If there are no delays in the overall restoration work, it should not be long before the worshippers are back in their village church building.
